Clasp for shoes or other articles



(No Model.)

T. P. WEST.

CLASP FOR SHOES OR OTHER ARTICLES. No. 320,104.

Patented June 16, 1885.

N. PETERS, PhMo-Lilhugnphan wnhingmn. D c.

ilNTTnn STATES PATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS PRATT \VEST, OF LYN N FIELD, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO ERSKINE F. BICKFORD, OF MALDEN, MASSACHUSETTS.

CLASP FOR SHOES OR OTHER ARTICLES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 320,104, dated June 16, 1885.

Application filed April 13, 18%. (No model.)

To aZl whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, Tnonlis I. Wns'r, of Lynnfield, in the county of Essex and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and use ful Improvement in Clasps, of which the following is a specification.

This is an improved clasp or buckle-clasp intended, primarily, for use upon shoes; and it is illustrated in the accompanying drawings,

IO in which- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the clasp with straps or webbing attached. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the same. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of that part of the clasp which embodies my invention with the finger or snap raised. Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section of the same.

Similar letters of reference indicate like parts.

A represents a curved plate slotted at a,and having a strap or webbing, A, attached to it, said plate being constructed as usual. B and O are two parts constituting a spring-frame of substantially the shapes shown, and coinci- 2 5 dently slotted at b and c to receive the strap or webbing D. The part 0 of the springfranie extends back under the part B thereof, as shown, and is provided with a tongue, G, which is bent to extend up through an open- 0 ing, B, in the frame, and is folded so as to form a hinge or pivot for the finger. E is the finger or snap, whose shaft E lies in the fold in the tongue 0. The free end of this finger is constructed substantially as usual; but its rear or inner end is provided with two pro- 5 jections, e c, of essentially the shape shown. As the finger E is swung from the open position shown in Figs. 3 and 4 to the closed position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, or vice versa, the projections e e bear and press upon the surface of the frame B, and draw or lift the tongue 0 up through the opening B, pulling the part O up toward the said frame. It will thus be seen that the finger cannot be opened or closed-21 e., swung over in either directionwitl1out the application of power greater than would occur without intent on the part of the user, and if started slightly will immediately on being released fly back into its former position.

The operation of buckle clasps on shoes is so well known that no further description is necessary.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters 5 Patent, is

In a clasp, the combination of the springframe consisting of the part B, provided with the opening B, and the part 0, provided with the folded tongue 0, extending into said open- 6o ing, and the finger or snap E, hinged to said tongue and provided with the projections e 6, all arranged and constructed substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

THOMAS PRATT WEST.

\Vitnesses:

Gno. LoUIs RICHARDS, Onns'rnn \V. EATON. 

